History

It’s great to be great, but it’s greater to be human. Will Rogers

William Penn Adair Rogers (1879-1935) was an American humorist, actor and author best known for his Broadway and film appearances, as well as his folksy persona. Rogers was born in present-day Oologah, Oklahoma, which was then part of Indian Territory. As the son of mixedblood Cherokee parents, he grew up in a ranching family. Rogers left home as a teen, working as a cowboy and gaucho, and eventually discovered his talent and love for acting. In 1902, he was cast in Texas Jack’s Wild West show as a trick roper and rider under the stage name “The Cherokee Kid,” and later went on to create a popular, wit-latent vaudeville act with which he traveled the country. On August 15, 1935, Rogers was killed when his aircraft crashed near Point Barrow, Alaska, during a flight to Asia.

Key Contributions

In addition to his acting, Rogers wrote several books and contributed widely to magazines and newspapers. In 1926, his daily column in The New York Times established his reputation as a witty but probing critic of contemporary life. It was syndicated to approximately 500 newspapers.

Rogers’ comments on life were widely followed and almost universally quoted. Cowboys look up to Rogers -- he is still regarded as one of the greatest ropers of all time. Fine theatrical art enthusiasts also look up to him for his shrewd performance witticism that won him fame and
fortune.